One-Pan Lasagna with Italian Sausage: Easy, Cheesy & Utterly Comforting!

By Jason Griffith

Imagine all the rich, savory flavors of traditional lasagna, but cooked in a single skillet with minimal fuss and cleanup! This One-Pan Lasagna with Italian Sausage is a weeknight dream come true. Featuring seasoned Italian sausage, tender broken lasagna noodles, a robust tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella, it’s a hearty, flavorful dish that brings incredible comfort to your table in a fraction of the time.

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Why I Love This Recipe

I’m a huge fan of meals that taste like they simmered all day but are actually incredibly fast and easy, and this One-Pan Lasagna absolutely nails it! What I truly adore is the simplicity of cooking everything in one skillet—no boiling noodles separately, no baking for an hour. The savory Italian sausage infuses the rich tomato sauce with incredible flavor, and the broken lasagna noodles cook perfectly right in the sauce, absorbing all that deliciousness. Plus, that final layer of gooey mozzarella, with optional fresh ricotta and parsley, makes every bite pure comfort. It’s a true game-changer for busy nights when a hearty, cheesy meal is exactly what you need.

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Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, casing removed if applicable)
• 2 (14 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ¾ pound lasagna noodles, broken into 2-3 inch pieces
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for mixing into pasta)

For Toppings:

• Extra shredded mozzarella cheese
• Ricotta cheese (fresh, dolloped)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Swaps and Notes

• Italian Sausage: Both mild or hot Italian sausage work well; choose based on your spice preference. If using bulk ground Italian sausage, ensure it’s cooked through. If using links, remove casings before browning. You could also use ground beef seasoned with Italian herbs for a different flavor.
• Tomato Sauce/Diced Tomatoes: The combination creates a rich, textured sauce. You can use crushed tomatoesfor a smoother base if preferred.
• Onion & Garlic: Finely dicing the onion and mincing the garlic ensures they cook down and infuse the sauce.
• Dried Basil: This classic herb complements Italian flavors perfectly. You can also use dried oregano or a blend of Italian seasoning.
• Lasagna Noodles: Using regular lasagna noodles, broken into pieces, is key for this one-pan method. No-boil noodles can sometimes work, but traditional noodles absorb the sauce better.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella for both mixing into the pasta and for the topping.
• Ricotta Cheese (Topping): Fresh ricotta adds a creamy, tangy contrast when dolloped on top. This is optional but highly recommended.
• Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remember that Italian sausage and tomato products can vary in saltiness.

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Instructions:

1. Brown Sausage & Sauté Onion: Add the 1 pound ground Italian sausage to a large skillet (a deep, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven works best). Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. When the sausage is mostly browned but still has a little pink remaining, add the diced yellow onion to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sausage is cooked through and no longer pink, and the onion is translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add Garlic & Tomatoes: When the onion is clear and tender and the sausage is cooked through, add the 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for about 30 additional seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Add the 2 (14 ounce) cans tomato sauce and 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

3. Season & Add Noodles: Add the ½ teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper to the sauce. Stir to combine the seasonings. Break the ¾ pound lasagna noodles into rough 2-3 inch pieces over the skillet and add them directly into the sauce. Using tongs or a spoon, press the noodles down as much as possible into the sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged. This helps them cook evenly.

4. Simmer the Lasagna: Cover the skillet with a lid and permit it to stew over medium intensity for around 15-20 minutes, stirring once or twice occasionally (especially to ensure noodles aren’t sticking to the bottom) until the noodles are relaxed (al dente) and most of the fluid has been absorbed. If the sauce becomes too thick and the noodles aren’t tender, add a splash of water or broth.

5. Add Mozzarella & Serve: When the noodles are tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and combined into the pasta and sauce. Serve immediately in bowls. Top generously with extra shredded mozzarella cheese, fresh dollops of ricotta cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your incredibly easy and delicious one-pan lasagna!

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Tips for Success

• Choose a Large Skillet/Dutch Oven: Ensure your pan is large enough to hold all the ingredients, especially the noodles and sauce.
• Break Noodles Evenly: Breaking the lasagna noodles into consistent sizes helps them cook evenly.
• Press Noodles Down: Make sure the noodles are mostly submerged in the sauce to cook properly.
• Stir Occasionally: Stirring helps prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom and ensures even cooking.
• Adjust Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick while noodles are cooking, add a splash of water or chicken broth.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the sauce before adding noodles and adjust salt/pepper/herbs as needed.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This One-Pan Lasagna with Italian Sausage is a complete and hearty meal on its own, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple Italian vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied Chianti, Merlot, or a classic Montepulciano d’Abruzzo would pair well with the savory sausage and tomato sauce.
• For other comforting, cheesy, or ground beef/sausage dishes, explore these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
  • Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce
  • This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast (for another easy lasagna option!)
  • Creamy Spinach Mushroom Lasagna (if you prefer a creamy, vegetarian lasagna)
  • This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
  • This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit

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Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Lasagna with Italian Sausage is a true weeknight hero, bringing all the beloved flavors of classic lasagna to your table with incredible ease and minimal cleanup. Its rich, savory sauce, tender noodles, and gooey cheese make for an unforgettable, comforting meal that’s perfect for any family. Get ready to indulge in this cheesy, hearty delight!

What are your go-to one-pan pasta dishes, or do you have a secret ingredient that makes your tomato sauce extra special? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!